Legal Staff Technical Specialist (Patent Agent) in Rockford, IL

In-House

Rockford, IL

Legal Staff Technical Specialist (Patent Agent) in Rockford, IL

Legal Staff

Min 2 yrs required

No

Job Title: Patent Agent

Job Responsibilities:
- Prepare Patent Applications: Draft and prosecute US and foreign patent applications in collaboration with engineers and business leaders.
- Conducting Prior Art Searches: Perform comprehensive research to identify existing patents and literature, assessing the novelty and patentability of new inventions.
- Managing Patent Filings: Coordinate the submission and maintenance of patent applications with Intellectual Property (IP) offices, ensuring compliance with deadlines and requirements.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with inventors, engineers, and legal professionals to collect information and support the patent development process.
- Team Support: Provide informal mentorship and guidance to new team members, enhancing their understanding of patent procedures and best practices.

Education and Experience Information:
- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline, preferably mechanical, electrical, or aerospace engineering.
- USPTO Patent Bar registration.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in drafting patent applications and prosecuting US and foreign patent applications.
- Experience in a corporate or in-house role is highly desirable.

Salary Information:
- Estimated annual base pay: $75,200 (minimum) - $94,000 (midpoint) - $112,800 (maximum).
- Annual cash bonus opportunity.
- 401(k) match at %.
- Annual company stock contribution at 5%.
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities.
- 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays.
- Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision insurance effective upon hire.
- Vacation, sick time, vacation buy-up, short-term disability, and bereavement leave.
- Paid parental leave and adoption assistance.
- Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
- Member life & AD&D, long-term disability, and optional life insurance.
- Member referral bonus.
- Voluntary benefits including home and auto insurance discounts, whole life insurance, critical illness insurance, legal assistance, and military leave.

Additional Requirements:
- Strong understanding of relevant technical fields to effectively draft and prosecute patent applications.
- In-depth knowledge of patent laws and regulations to ensure compliance and develop sound patent strategies.
- Analytical thinking skills to analyze complex technical and legal information for identifying patentable inventions and potential risks.
- Clear communication skills to convey complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Proficiency in conducting prior art searches and evaluating intellectual property landscapes.
- Problem-solving abilities to resolve issues in the application and prosecution process.
- Project management skills to manage multiple patent projects simultaneously, with a focus on deadlines and accuracy.
- Enjoys working in a team-oriented environment and mentoring peers.
- Attention to detail to maintain high accuracy and quality in all documentation and submissions.

Legal and Compliance Information:
- This position requires the use of information subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants must be . Persons within the meaning of ITAR and EAR or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the . Department of State and/or the . Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a . Person as a . citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (., asylee, or refugee).

Equal Employment Opportunity:
Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. EO/AA/M/F/Disabled/Protected Veterans.

Application Information:
- The application window is anticipated to close 30 days from the original posting date.